Notre Dame football was the underdog in Saturday’s game against No. 20 Texas A&M as it traveled into a tough road environment in Week 1 of the season.

But it was the Fighting Irish who came out victorious, grinding out a 23-13 win in College Station, Texas, in a defense-dominant performance.

Notre Dame held Texas A&M to only 246 total yards as Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman was wildly inefficient in his return. Weigman had a 12-of-30 passing night for only 100 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns in the game.

Duke transfer quarterback Riley Leonard, making his first start at Notre Dame against Texas A&M coach Mike Elko — who coached Leonard last season — was good enough to earn the win on Saturday. Leonard completed 18 of 30 passes for 158 yards but added 63 rushing yards on 12 carries.

The Fighting Irish and Aggies were tied at 13 with under seven minutes remaining, but Notre Dame drove down the field with an eight-play, 85-yard drive ending in a 21-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love with less than two minutes remaining. Texas A&M couldn’t answer on the next possession before Notre Dame sealed the win with a field goal with under a minute remaining.

With the win, Notre Dame adds a nice resume booster to its College Football Playoff-hopeful program. See below for live updates and highlights from Notre Dame’s win:

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame score updates

This section will be updated.

Notre Dame wins it 23-13

Fighting Irish pick up a big road win in a tough environment to kick off their 2024 season. Big win for coach Marcus Freeman.

Notre Dame seals it with field goal

Notre Dame seals the win with a 46-yard field goal to give it a 23-13 lead with under a minute left in the fourth quarter. Fighting Irish going to escape a tough road environment in College Station for a Week 1 win.

Texas A&M can’t convert on fourth down

Aggies turn the ball over on downs, with Notre Dame regaining possession. Weigman nearly threw an interception as Christian Gray jumped the Texas A&M slant route.

Texas A&M can’t let Notre Dame get a first down here if it wants a small chance at scoring.

Notre Dame takes late lead on touchdown run

Notre Dame takes a 20-13 lead on a 21-yard touchdown run by Love. Fighting Irish with their best drive of the game in an important spot, gaining 85 yards on eight plays in 4:29 of game time. That was a perfect possession.

Texas A&M has to answer here.

Notre Dame offense moving late

Leonard hits Jaden Greathouse for a 9-yard gain on third-and-5 before finding Beaux Collins for a 20-yard gain, which puts Notre Dame inside Texas A&M’s 30-yard line. Collins’ catch was confirmed after review.

Texas A&M goes three-and-out

Weigman completes a pass that falls a yard short of the first-down marker, but Texas A&M was pushed back on its own 24-yard line and opts to punt to go three-and-out. The fourth-down try wasn’t worth it to the Aggies.

Weigman is now 12 of 26 passing for 100 yards with two interceptions on the night.

Notre Dame forced to punt

After a negative run and a false start, Notre Dame was pushed back to a third-and-18 attempt, which it doesn’t convert. Texas A&M regains possession with a chance to take the lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Texas A&M ties it up with touchdown

Aggies with a much-needed touchdown drive, their first of the game. That ties it at 13. Running back Le’Veon Moss plunges it in from a yard out for the score. Texas A&M travels 65 yards in 10 plays early in the fourth quarter.

Texas A&M nearly intercepts Leonard, forces punt

Leonard throws a dangerous pass, and it’s nearly intercepted by Will Lee before the Aggies stop Notre Dame anyway on third down. Notre Dame goes three-and-out and Texas A&M needs some offense here.

Texas A&M punts

A&M offense desperately needs to get going here, as it punts to give Notre Dame the ball back.

Notre Dame scores first touchdown of game, takes lead

Notre Dame breaks through with the first touchdown by either team in the game, as Jadarian Price takes a handoff 47 yards to the house. The Fighting Irish lead 13-6 with 6:51 left in the third quarter after gaining 63 yards in only four plays.

Texas A&M also turns it over on downs

Texas A&M attempts a fourth-and-8 try, but Weigman’s deep pass intended for Micah Tease is overthrown, giving Notre Dame the ball back. Fighting Irish take over at their own 37-yard line.

Both teams continue to dominate defensively.

Notre Dame turns it over on downs

Fighting Irish go for it on 4th-and-2, but Leonard only picks up a yard and Texas A&M takes over possession. Notre Dame appeared to be putting together a solid drive before the fourth-down stop.

Texas A&M-Notre Dame tied 6-6 at halftime

Notre Dame takes the conservative approach and runs the ball to milk the remaining clock. Game remains tied 6-6 heading into the break.

Conner Weigman throws second interception

A tough night for Weigman continues, as the Texas A&M quarterback tosses his second interception of the game after Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts came down with Weigman’s pass.

Notre Dame takes over at its own 49-yard line with less than a minute remaining in the half.

Notre Dame punts

Texas A&M holds strong, forcing Notre Dame to punt despite a long rushing gain earlier in the drive. Aggies have just under two minutes to try and take the lead before halftime.

Notre Dame breaks through with chunk play

A play after Notre Dame had a 37-yard gain called back for holding, running back Jeremiyah Love runs for 29 yards to get to midfield. Fighting Irish offense getting something going this drive.

Texas A&M punts after Weigman sack

Weigman tried to buy time in the pocket on third-and-12 but can’t evade the pressure and is sacked for an 11-yard loss. Weigman hit Cyrus Allen for a nice 13-yard gain earlier in the drive, but otherwise nothing doing for the Aggies.

Notre Dame takes over on its own 14-yard line after the punt.

Notre Dame held to field goal

Aggies are able to stop Notre Dame from capitalizing on the turnover with a touchdown, holding the Fighting Irish to a 26-yard field goal to tie the game at 6-6.

Texas A&M star defensive end transfer Nic Scourton was down after the third-down play but was able to get up on his own and head back to the sideline. That’ll be something to monitor the rest of the game.

Weigman throws interception on first play of drive

Weigman attempts a throw to Noah Thomas on the first play of the drive, but it’s intercepted by Adon Shuler. Nice momentum shift for the Fighting Irish, who get the ball on the Aggies’ 29-yard line.

Texas A&M defense swarming

Texas A&M’s pass rush has been a major factor so far, as the Aggies have been getting consistent pressure on Leonard in the first half. Fighting Irish forced to punt again.

Texas A&M takes 6-3 lead after second field goal

Aggies regain their early lead with another field goal, this time a 49-yard kick by Bond. Solid rushing drive for Texas A&M, who opened its possession with four consecutive positive run plays.

Texas A&M-Notre Dame tied at 3 after first quarter

After the first quarter, Texas A&M and Notre Dame are tied 3-3. Not a ton of offense from either side in the first period.

Notre Dame goes three-and-out

Leonard avoids pressure from Texas A&M and has an open receiver for the first down but can’t make the throw facing multiple Aggies defenders in the backfield. Texas A&M takes over with decent field position at its own 37-yard line.

Texas A&M forced to punt

Aggies can’t get anything going on their second possession, punting the ball back to Notre Dame, who will start on its own 13-yard line.

Notre Dame ties game with field goal

Notre Dame ties the game with its own field goal, a 46-yard kick by Mitch Jeter. We’re all tied up in College Station.

Dalton Brooks ejected for targeting

Tough start for Texas A&M, as defensive back Dalton Brooks is called for targeting while trying to stop Leonard on a third-down scramble attempt. Notre Dame picked up the first down anyway, but Brooks is done for the night already.

Texas A&M strikes first with early field goal

Aggies take an early 3-0 lead after stalling out within striking distance. Kicker Randy Bond hits a 34-yard field goal to give Texas A&M the edge after its first possession.

Texas A&M cooking early

Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman, along with first-year offensive coordinator Collin Klein, are in rhythm early against Notre Dame. Texas A&M nearly in the red zone after a third-down completion.

Kyle Field is lit pregame

Kyle Field is packed, and this crowd is on fire waiting for Texas A&M’s season opener. Notre Dame opening its year in as hostile an environment gets in college football.

Conner Weigman warming up pregame

Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman, a former five-star recruit who only played in four games last season before suffering a season-ending injury, is out on the field warming up for the Aggies:

Riley Leonard ready to go for primetime game

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, who’s taking on his former Duke coach Mike Elko, is ready for his Notre Dame debut on Saturday night:

Notre Dame arrives at Texas A&M

Notre Dame players have arrived at Kyle Field:

ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ picks for Texas A&M-Notre Dame

Albeit it was a few hours ago, here were the predictions for the Aggies-Fighting Irish game on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’

Desmond Howard: Texas A&M
Nick Saban: Texas A&M
Pat McAfee: Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel: Texas A&M
Lee Corso: Notre Dame

Texas A&M players gather at midfield

Texas A&M is out on Kyle Field, and is gathered in unison around the midfield Aggies logo pregame:

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame time today

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
Location: Kyle Field in College Station, Texas

Texas A&M-Notre Dame is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET kick off on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.

What channel is Texas A&M vs Notre Dame on today?

TV channel: ABC
Streaming: ESPN app, Fubo

Aggies-Fighting Irish will air live on ABC, with streaming options available on the ESPN app (with a TV provider login) or Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame history

Texas A&M record vs. Notre Dame: 2-3 (Last win: 2001)
Notre Dame record vs. Texas A&M: 3-2 (Last win: 2000)

Texas A&M and Notre Dame have played five times in their history, with the last matchup a 24-3 Aggies win at home in 2001.

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame predictions

Mike Berardino: Notre Dame 24, Texas A&M 16. Riley Leonard and Co. start fast, bring down the decibel level to a merely annoying level at Kyle Field. One of the nation’s best defenses will keep it right there.

Tom Noie: Notre Dame 17, Texas A&M 6. The Irish need to let the defense dominate and do enough offensively to not lose this one. Just get in, get out and get home 1-0.

Austin Hough: Notre Dame 17, Texas A&M 14. Mitch Jeter kicks a field goal as time expires for the win. Irish fans everywhere let out a collective sigh of relief because of it.

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Aug. 29

Spread: Texas A&M (-3)
Over/under: 46
Money line: Texas A&M (-150) Notre Dame (+125)

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame injury updates

Notre Dame: OT Charles Jagusah (out for the year), safety Taebron Bennie Powell (out for the year), safety Tae Johnson (out), OT Styles Prescod (out for the year)
Texas A&M: RB Reuben Owens (out)

Texas A&M vs Notre Dame weather update

Per AccuWeather

Temperature at kickoff: 95 degrees

Texas A&M football schedule 2024

All times Eastern.

Saturday, Aug. 31: Texas A&M vs. No. 7 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Sept. 7: Texas A&M vs. McNeese | 12:45 a.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Sept. 14: Texas A&M at Florida | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)*
Saturday, Sept. 21: Texas A&M vs. Bowling Green | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+, SEC Network+
Saturday, Sept. 28: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas*
Saturday, Oct. 5: Texas A&M vs. No. 11 Missouri | 12 p.m. | ABC or ESPN (Fubo)*
Saturday, Oct. 12: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 19: Texas A&M at Mississippi State*
Saturday, Oct. 26: Texas A&M vs. No. 12 LSU*
Saturday, Nov. 2: Texas A&M at South Carolina*
Saturday, Nov. 9: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 16: Texas A&M vs. New Mexico State | 7:45 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)*
Saturday, Nov. 23: Texas A&M at Auburn*
Saturday, Nov. 30: Texas A&M vs. No. 4 Texas*

Notre Dame football schedule 2024

All times Eastern.

Saturday, Aug. 31: Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M | 7:30 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo) ESPN+
Saturday, Sept. 7: Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois | 3:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo), Peacock
Saturday, Sept. 14: Notre Dame at Purdue | 3:30 p.m. | CBS (Fubo) 
Saturday, Sept. 21: Notre Dame vs. Miami (Ohio) | 3:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo), Peacock
Saturday, Sept. 28: Notre Dame vs. Louisville | 3:30 p.m. | Peacock
Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 12: Notre Dame vs. Stanford | 3:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo), Peacock
Saturday, Oct. 19: Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech
Saturday, Oct. 26: Notre Dame vs. Navy | Noon
Saturday, Nov. 2: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 9: Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Florida State | 7:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo), Peacock
Saturday, Nov. 16: Notre Dame vs. Virginia | 3:30 p.m. | NBC (Fubo), Peacock
Saturday, Nov. 23: Notre Dame vs. Army | 7 p.m. | NBC (Fubo), Peacock
Friday, Nov. 29: Notre Dame at No. 23 USC

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No. 15 Tennessee rolled to a convincing 69-3 victory over Chattanooga in the Vols’ first game of the 2024 college football season on Saturday.

There was little to critique in the victory as Josh Heupel’s squad demolished an overmatched Mocs team. Starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava was brilliantly efficient in the start, completing 22 of 28 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Dylan Sampson rushed 12 times for 124 yards and three more scores.

The defense was also impressive, limiting Chattanooga to just 227 offensive yards and a paltry three points.

However, at least one Tennessee fan had something to gripe about after the game. And it had nothing to do with what occurred on the field. As noted by Russell Smith — one of the hosts for ‘The Voluntary Reaction’ postgame show on Fox Sports Knoxville — a Tennessee fan got into a verbal argument with his wife after calling into the radio show.

It led to an awkward moment live on the air as listeners everywhere heard the argument.

‘Get off the damn sports radio, it doesn’t matter to your family,’ a woman can be heard saying in the background. ‘It’s a loser situation. My dad needs your help.’

After a short pause, the woman can then be heard saying, ‘I’m so done with you. I know you don’t care. … I’ll take your two-and-a-half million dollars.”

At that point, the audio cuts out, with no obvious outcome in the verbal argument.

Whether the Tennessee fan will call into the show again remains to be seen.

SAINT-DENIS, France — Jaydin Blackwell kept his head clear leading into Saturday’s 100-meter T38 final at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. 

“Just push out, do you, get out, run, you got this, just don’t worry about it — don’t worry about anything else except you, yourself and what you got in front of you,” Blackwell recalled telling himself before the race. 

He felt slow once the race started, unsure if he would pace at the world-record time he set during the U.S. Paralympic track and field trials just earlier this summer. And he didn’t run at that pace — he ran faster. 

Blackwell, an Oak Park, Michigan native, earned Paralympic gold with a time of 10.64 — breaking his own world record. Right behind Blackwell was fellow American Ryan Medrano at a silver-medal time of 10.97 and Team USA’s Nick Mayhugh finished seventh in the race at 11.37.

“I mean, it was a perfect race,” Blackwell said. “I was really just focused on what I needed to do and really just get out and get to the line as fast as possible. I’m just really glad that I can be able to do the things that I can do.”

2024 Paris Olympics: Follow USA TODAY’s coverage of the biggest names and stories of the Games.

It was quite the Paralympic debut for both Blackwell and Medrano. The two share a close bond, one that includes training together but also hanging out outside of the track. There is some friendly competitiveness, too. 

Blackwell said that running alongside Medrano gives him a boost of energy. For Medrano, it is a quest to catch up to his teammate — pushing him as he looks to become the fast American himself. 

“Having Jaydin running like lightning, that’s helped me push myself that much faster,” Medrano said. “I want to eventually catch him. He’s a 10.64, so I’m going to have to train a lot — slim down because I’m at 210 pounds right now. So I’m doing my best, but having them on the team has really pushed me to develop as best as I can.” 

Both Blackwell and Medrano will be back on the track for the 400, with the final slated for Tuesday. Blackwell has been hard at work, though, to claim a gold medal in the event while Medrano hopes to hunt him down. 

Blackwell’s trainer has been putting him through the “wringer,” running 600 meters over and over again in training to build up stamina for the 400. That, paired with a lot of strength training, has Blackwell in position for a second gold medal. 

The training has already paid off for the 20-year-old with a fresh world record and a gold medal in the largest venue of his career. 

‘I don’t like to think about all that all at the same time because it could cloud people’s minds,” Blackwell said. “…  I just take it one step at a time, just take it in slow. Then when I’m done with that, just move on to the next.”

Gold for Daniel Romanchuk in the 5,000 T54

Daniel Romanchuk clocked in a 10:55.28 to take home gold in the 5,000 T54 — a classification for athletes who use a wheelchair to race. It is the first gold medal for the three-time Paralympian. 

He narrowly beat world record holder and silver medalist Marcel Hug, who finished at 10:55.78. 

“It’s a huge honor to be able to bring home gold for the U.S.,” Romanchuk said. “Ultimately, records will be broken and there is really something — records and stuff like that are, I view as, things to be pushed, not something to be owned.”

Liza Corso picks up bronze in the women’s 1,500 T13 

Liza Corso has not had an ideal run-up to her second Paralympics. The New Hampshire native has run just 8 miles in the past six weeks after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in her femur. 

Even while dealing with injury, Corso ran a 4:23.45 to earn the bronze medal in the 1,500-meter T13 on Saturday.

“I worked my butt off the past six weeks and (dealing with) the fear going into the race of not knowing if my leg would hold out and if I’d be able to push through,” Corso said.

Corso had to overcome the mental hurdle that came with her injury, not feeling her best heading into the race. Her support system at Lipscomb where she runs collegiately helped her with those mental challenges. 

The Bison were having a watch party for Corso’s race, she said. There have also been countless texts of support as she headed into Saturday’s final. 

Now, Corso is a two-time medalist after earning a silver in Tokyo. 

“It was crazy. Just the weight of all the pressure and nerves going into it and just the hours of sweating my butt off on the bike,” Corso said. “Just knowing that I have so much work that went into it. It was just super special.”

Americans on the podium 

It was a busy day at Stade de France on Saturday.

Susannah Scaroni got the first medal of the day for the Americans after finishing second in the women’s 5,000-meter T54 — an event for which she holds the world. Beatriz Hatz, from Littleton, Colorado, earned bronze in the women’s long jump T64. 

Noah Malone rounded out the night for the Americans with a silver medal in the men’s 100-meter T12. 

PARIS — Elouan Gardon raised his fist in triumph to a packed house at the Vélodrome on Saturday afternoon. He had just won bronze in his first-ever Paralympic Games in his cycling event.

Two months ago, Gardon was not even on the team, with no track cycling experience whatsoever.

It was only in June that veteran cyclist Bryan Larsen brought Gardon to the attention of the team’s coach.

‘Bryan was the person who sent me an Instagram and said, ‘Hey, this guy looks like he’s eligible and he’s a beast,” Sarah Hammer-Kroening said. ”You should send him a message.”

Hammer-Kroening sent that message, inviting the Acme, Washington native to a select national track camp in June. Gardon accepted the invite and impressed the coach on his first time around the track.

2024 Paris Olympics: Follow USA TODAY’s coverage of the biggest names and stories of the Games.

Hammer-Kroening said she immediately saw a confident young man with a ruthless streak once he hops onto his bike. Despite only bringing road racing experience, Gardon quickly excelled on the track. 

That quick learning curve showed Saturday when Gardon picked up his bronze in the C5 4000-meter individual pursuit para-cycling track event. C5 is a classification for athletes who have a minimal degree of limb impairment.

‘It was really incredible, my first time racing on a track (in international competition),’ he said. ‘The feeling is absolutely exciting.’

Gardon fell behind by 0.162 seconds to his Austrian opponent Franz-Josef Lasser early in the first 1000m. Gardon came back in the second 1000m and stretched his lead to finish more than 6 seconds ahead with a final time of 4:18.880 to clinch third place.

In the gold medal race, Dorian Foulon of France took gold in 4:16.158 while Yehor Dementyev of Ukraine took silver with a time of 4:17.770.

The rookie 18-year-old track cyclist pointed to Larsen as an important part of his success. In fact, he even used Larsen’s bike in the medal-clinching race.

‘He’s been a great mentor,’ Gardon said. ‘He actually introduced me to (U.S. track cycling head coach) Sarah Hammer-Kroening for cycling on the para-side and it’s truly incredible how much he’s done for me to be here today.’

Hammer-Kroenig also said that Larsen has been instrumental in Gardon’s development.

‘Any time you have a new rider (Gardon) come into the team, especially someone who is so young, obviously they’re very impressionable and you want them to be around the right people,’ Hammer-Kroenig said.

For Hammer-Kroenig, Gardon’s future is bright. 

‘He understands that to surround himself with people who have more knowledge,’ she said. ‘That is beyond his years for a lot of young people. If he wants to, he has a huge future ahead.’

One of those people is Larsen, who finished sixth in the qualifying round of the C4 4000m with a time of 4:30.690, bringing an end to his Paris 2024 campaign. The cyclist from Windsor, California also finished 13th in the men’s C4-5 1000m time trial and did not advance to the finals earlier Friday.

Larsen said the race was grueling, but he was proud of the finish.

‘I wanted a little more (out of today’s race), but hey I’ll take it,’ he said. ‘I’ve been racing for 22, 23 years, so this is a culmination of not just three years of para, but 22 years of being on my bike, beating myself up day in and day out since I was 12 years old.’

Gardon has two races left in the Games, including men’s C5 individual time trial on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and the men’s C4-5 road race on Friday, Sept. 6.

During ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ in College Station, Texas ahead of the Texas A&M-Notre Dame game on Saturday, Saban dropped some profanity describing the new NIL era – much to the delight of his co-hosts.

‘If you don’t pay the right guys, you’ll be (expletive) out of luck,’ Saban said.

Desmond Howard, Rece Davis, Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit burst out laughing.

‘Congratulations – you just broke the internet,’ Herbstreit said to Saban, shaking the longtime Alabama coach’s hand.

Saban officially joined the GameDay crew in Week 0, reflecting on the beginning of his career as an analyst.

“You know, I spent my entire coaching career accosting people who speculate, make predictions and ask hypothetical questions,” Saban said last week. “So, now I’m in this world. This is my gig, and it’s hard.”

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ATLANTA – Georgia finished what the playoff selection committee started.

ACC football, you are fake news.

Once upon a time, Dabo Swinney equipped little ol’ Clemson with zippy quarterbacks and dynamic wide receivers who’d beat Alabama and win national championships en route to the NFL.

Those days are finished.

These days, Clemson is Iowa, except the Hawkeyes have a better punter.

No. 1 Georgia smacked No. 14 Clemson 34-3 and left the Tigers for bones on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Georgia (1-0) performed like an unfinished product until accelerating after halftime. The Bulldogs were never in danger against an opponent that lacks the firepower it possessed years ago, when Swinney built a mini dynasty.

Clemson football needed transfers, but Dabo Swinney sat idle

Swinney vowed a decade ago that he’d exit college football if the athletes started getting paid. He didn’t make good on his pledge, but by treating the transfer portal like it carries leprosy, he’s quit assembling teams that compete with the elite.

By the time wide receiver Colbie Young supplied Georgia’s first touchdown on the opening drive of the third quarter, the game felt decided, despite the Bulldogs’ modest 13-0 lead. Clemson had proven it couldn’t move the ball.

Young, incidentally, is a transfer. Like other top programs, Georgia uses the portal to supplement blue-chip recruiting classes.

Locating a transfer at Clemson (0-1) is akin a snipe hunt.

Swinney didn’t add a single transfer in the offseason. The Tigers needed a receiver to penetrate Georgia’s defense – and a better quarterback to deliver the pass.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik just doesn’t have it, while Georgia’s Carson Beck is that dude.

Unlike Georgia’s offseason driving program, the Bulldogs creeped slowly out of the parking lot in this opener. Then cool-hand Carson put the game on ice with a blistering second half.

Nobody outperforms Beck on third downs. His third-and-10 bullet to London Humphreys keyed Georgia’s second third-quarter scoring drive.

Later, Beck needed 9 yards to move the chains on another third down. He found 40 yards and Humphreys for another touchdown.

Beck, who threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns, proved more precise than Klubnik. He also benefits from better receivers. Beck will miss the security blanket provided by All-America tight end Brock Bowers, but he’s forming a connection with Dillon Bell, Arian Smith and Dominic Lovett.

Beck added a wrinkle to his repertoire with a pair of slightly awkward – but effective – scramble runs for first downs.

Georgia needed Beck’s 297 yards of total offense, because Clemson’s defensive line played like a throwback to better days and bottled up Georgia’s running backs for most of the game.

Although Clemson delayed the rout until the second half, the Tigers would’ve needed to play 34 quarters to match Georgia’s 34 points.

Georgia rules, and Clemson left to contend for ACC’s wilted playoff rose

While Clemson fantasizes fleeing the ACC’s coop in favor of a conference with a richer payday, I wonder: How would this iteration of Clemson hold up in the SEC?

I cried foul when the kangaroo court also known as the College Football Playoff selection committee spurned undefeated Florida State last December.

An unjust decision, I thought then. Unprecedented, certainly.

Georgia quieted the controversy weeks later by creaming the undermanned Seminoles in the Orange Bowl, but the ACC’s official date with humility arrived this season.

Playoff expansion means Clemson retains CFP hopes. The conference race is wide open, and Clemson will contend for the ACC’s wilted rose to a playoff stint that’d surely be brief.

When these teams last met in 2021, Georgia was still ascending, and Clemson clung by its claws to the last vestiges of glory days.

Three years later, Georgia rules. NIL and transfers changed the sport. Swinney put his hands in pockets, and his Tigers are left standing in the dust.  

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s SEC Columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer.

Subscribe to read all of his columns. Also, check out his podcast, SEC Football Unfiltered, and newsletter, SEC Unfiltered.

The widow of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau spoke out Saturday for the first time since her husband’s death, sharing a moving tribute thanking him for the ‘best years of (her) life.’ 

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were killed by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were in town to attend their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday. State police said they charged a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, New Jersey, with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection to the brothers’ death.

Meredith Gaudreau posted the emotional message to Instagram alongside several family photos throughout the years.

‘Thank you for the best years of my life. Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours,’ Meredith Gaudreau wrote. ‘I love you so so much. You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever.’

Johhny Gaudreau is also survived by the couple’s two young children, Noa and Johnny. Meredith Gaudreau honored his legacy as a father in a separate Instagram post. 

All things Blue Jackets: Latest Columbus Blue Jackets news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

‘The absolute best dad in the world,’ Gaudreau wrote. ‘So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with. John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy.’

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Jordan Spieth announced Saturday that he underwent successful surgery on his left wrist last week.

Spieth was winless this season and finished the regular season at No. 63 in the FedEx Cup standings. He only made it into the first playoff event at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis and finished tied for 68th. He previously said at both the Wyndham Championship earlier this month and in Memphis that he would require offseason surgery to repair his wrist, which has bothered him for 16 months.

‘I’ve got to have it operated on ASAP, and then I’ll go through the process of what I’m supposed to do from there,’ Spieth said in Memphis.

Spieth previously stated that the recovery time is approximately three months, with physical therapy starting after the sixth week. He said he could possibly play in the Hero World Challenge in December or the PNC Championship with his father the weekend before Christmas.

Spieth originally complained of a wrist injury the week before the 2023 PGA Championship, withdrawing from his hometown event, the Byron Nelson, which at the time was sponsored by AT&T. Spieth is a longtime AT&T ambassador. Spieth, 31, is the winner of three majors and 13 Tour titles. He began the year at No. 15 in the world and has fallen to No. 44 in the Official World Golf Ranking in what he termed one of his most frustrating seasons.

‘I kept trying not to make excuses for myself because it didn’t hurt when I was swinging,’ Spieth said. ‘But it doesn’t seem coincidental based on the amount of time, and really the results being the exact same every single week. So I’m very hopeful.’

‘I think there’s some clarity in getting it done,’ he added. ‘There’s also some uncertainty, and so it’s a little scary. But also, if I can learn to find some patience – which I’m not very good at doing – then I think I could come back stronger.’

Carson Beck threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns, and the top-ranked Bulldogs stifled Clemson’s offense en route to an easy 34-3 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for their 40th consecutive regular-season victory.

Clemson could do nothing on offense for most of the afternoon, running for 46 yards on 23 carries. Cade Klubnik threw for 142 yards, was picked off once, and sacked twice, as the Tigers went 4-13 on third down and had only 188 yards of total offense.

It marked coach Dabo Swinney’s third-worst loss of his 17-year tenure at Clemson.

Georgia takes on Tennessee Tech next week before going on the road and opening up conference play at Kentucky on Sept. 14. The Tigers will try to bounce back at home against Appalachian State next Saturday.

Here’s how other Top 25 teams performed and how Georgia’s impressive season-opening win unfolded.

Georgia-Clemson highlights

The Bulldogs’ season-opening win was heavy on highlights for Georgia, and light on highlights for the Tigers.

Top 25 college football schedule Week 1 scores

Here are the kickoff times and TV info for Top 25 teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll. (All times are Eastern):  

No. 1 Georgia 34, No. 14 Clemson 3
No. 2 Ohio State 52, Akron 6
No. 4 Texas 52, Colorado State 0
No. 9 Penn State 34, West Virginia 12
No. 11 Missouri 51, Murray State 0
No. 13 Utah 49, Southern Utah 0
No. 15 Tennessee 69, Chattanooga 3
No. 16 Oklahoma 51, Temple 3
No. 18 Oklahoma State 44, South Dakota State 20
No. 19 Miami 41, Florida 17
No. 22 N.C. State 38, Western Carolina 21
No. 24 Kansas 48, Linden 3
No. 25 Iowa 40, Illinois State 0
Western Kentucky at No. 5 Alabama, ESPN, 7 p.m. 
Furman at No. 6 Ole Miss, ESPN+, 7 p.m. 
UT Martin at No. 17 Kansas State, ESPN+, 7 p.m. 
Fresno State at No. 8 Michigan, NBC/Peacock, 7:30 p.m. 
No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M, ABC, 7:30 p.m. 
Idaho at No. 3 Oregon, Big Ten Network, 7:30 p.m. 
New Mexico at No. 21 Arizona, 10:30 p.m. 
Sunday: No. 23 Southern Cal vs. No. 12 LSU in Las Vegas, ABC, 7:30 p.m. 
Monday: Boston College at No. 10 Florida State, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.

Georgia-Clemson final score

Georgia 34
Clemson 3

Clemson turnover on downs

The Tigers drove to Georgia’s 18-yard line but could get no closer. A negative run and two incomplete passes turned the ball back over to the Bulldogs, who can now just run the clock out.

Georgia score: Cash Jones 15-yard touchdown run

After Nate Frazier picked up 57 rushing yards on the first three plays of the drive, Georgia went with Brandon Robinson for one carry (6 yards) and Cash Jones for the next, which ended up being a 15-yard touchdown.

This one is all but over with the Bulldogs now winning 34-3. This will be Georgia’s 40th consecutive regular-season win, the second-longest streak in college football history.

Nate Frazier stats

Georgia freshman running back Nate Frazier has received the majority of the work out of the backfield Saturday in Trevor Etienne’s absence. Frazier has 83 yards rushing and a touchdown on 11 carries, an average of 7.5 yards per carry.

Georgia interception by Malaki Starks

The first turnover of the game came at the most inopportune time for Clemson. Two plays into the Tigers latest possession, quarterback Caleb Klubnik fired deep along the right sideline and was picked off in spectacular fashion by Georgia safety Malaki Starks.

On the Bulldogs’ first two plays after Starks’ interception, running back Nate Frazier burst through the defense for a 40-yard run and then a 16-yard run. The Bulldogs are in the red zone once again.

Georgia score: Carson Beck 40-yard touchdown pass to London Humphreys

Georgia has all but sealed the deal in Atlanta.

London Humphreys took a shallow cross from Carson Beck and strode 40 yards into the end zone to give Georgia a 27-3 lead, capping off a 54-yard, five-play drive.

Georgia-Clemson stats

These are the offensive leaders as the game enters the fourth quarter.

Georgia

Passing: Carson Beck 20-29 for 225 yards, TD
Rushing: Dillon Bell 27 yards on 1 carry
Receiving: Arian Smith 43 yards on 3 receptions

Clemson

Passing: Cade Klubnik 12-18 for 92 yards
Rushing: Phil Mafah 52 yards on 13 carries
Receiving: Antonio Williams 65 yards on 5 receptions

Georgia score: Nate Frazier 1-yard touchdown rush

Big plays aided Georgia’s next scoring drive as Carson Beck completed passes of 24, 23 and 13 yards, along with scrambling for 10 yards. Nate Frazier got in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run to officially put Clemson on the ropes. The eight-play, 75-yard drive took 3:19 off the clock and extended the Bulldogs’ lead to 20-3.

Georgia’s Dillon Bell limps on sideline

Georgia junior wide receiver Dillon Bell was noticeably limping and being helped by staffers on the Bulldogs sideline with about six minutes left in the third quarter. The ABC broadcast reported it as cramps.

Bell has four receptions for 32 yards and a rushing attempt that went for 27 yards.

Clemson score: Nolan Hauser 26-yard field goal

The Tigers finally showed life on offense and are on the scoreboard.

Clemson answered Georgia’s touchdown with an 11-play, 66-yard drive, resulting in a 26-yard field goal by Nolan Hauser, cutting the Bulldogs’ lead to 13-3.

The big play on the scoring march was a 19-yard catch by Jake Briningstool, aided by a roughing the passer penalty by Georgia. Phil Mafah helped picked up the slack on the ground, carrying five times for 18 tough yards. Clemson still only has 38 rushing yards for the game.

Georgia score: Carson Beck 7-yard touchdown pass to Colbie Young

It was the Arian Smith show on the first possession of the second half for Georgia as the senior wide receiver had a 7-yard run and a 32-yard catch during the scoring drive. The Bulldogs hit paydirt to extend their lead to 13-0 as Carson Beck found Colbie Young on the right side for a 7-yard scoring strike, to conclude the 75-yard drive.

Georgia-Clemson halftime stats

Georgia

Total offense: 160 yards
First downs: 8
Passing: Carson Beck 15-19, 126 yards
Rushing: Nate Frazier 20 yards on 4 carries
Receiving: Lawson Luckie 37 yards on 2 receptions

Clemson

Total offense: 76 yards
First downs: 2
Passing: Cade Klubnik 7-12, 54 yards
Rushing: Phil Mafah 24 yards on 6 carries
Receiving: Antonio Williams 55 yards on 4 receptions

Georgia stalls out on offense

After Smith’s offensive pass interference, the Bulldogs stalled out at their own 43-yard line to force the third punt by Brett Thorson. One second remains in the half.

Big play by Georgia called back

The Bulldogs appeared to get a huge play on a 40-yard pass from Carson Beck to Dillon Bell that would have put Georgia at the Clemson 13-yard line. However, fellow receiver Arian Smith was called for offensive pass interference to negate the play and give the Tigers a sigh of relief.

Clemson stuffed again

The Tigers went three-and-out again as the clock ticks closer to halftime.

Clemson got a 7-yard run on first down by Phil Mafah, but Cade Klubnik followed with two incompletions to bring Aidan Swanson out for his fifth punt.

Georgia score: Peyton Woodring 55-yard field goal

After Clemson went three-and-out for the second time in the game, Georgia completed a 31-yard catch to Lawson Luckie, but went nowhere on the next three plays. The Bulldogs settled another field goal, this time from a whopping 55 yards just inside the left goal post by Peyton Woodring.

Georgia score: Peyton Woodring 30-yard field goal

The Bulldogs strike first.

Georgia put a dent in the scoreboard by going 68 yards in 12 plays and settling for a 30-yard field goal by Peyton Woodring. Carson Beck completed eight consecutive passes at one point and is 12-for-14 for 95 yards overall. The running game has yet to get going as the Bulldogs have 12 yards on seven carries. 

End of first quarter: Georgia 0, Clemson 0

The Bulldogs and Tigers are through one quarter and defense (or inept offense) has been the name of the game.

There have been five punts and Clemson leads in totals yards (61-43). Georgia leads in first downs (3-2).

Clemson wastes big play, punts for third straight possession

After the big play to Antonio Williams, an illegal formation penalty negated a first-down catch and a third-down pass to Williams fell well short of the first down.

Clemson’s average starting field position in its three possessions is its own 15-yard line.

Clemson connects on deep pass

The first big play of the game came from the Tigers, who got a 36-yard pass play from Cade Klubnik to receiver Antonio Williams. The catch was reviewed and confirmed and gave Clemson a first down at the Georgia 49-yard line.

The Tigers are in business.

Georgia forced into quick three-and-out

Georgia’s second possession ended like its first, with a short run and two completed passes that fell well short of the sticks. Carson Beck has completed five of his first six passes but for only 20 yards. 

Clemson struggling to move the ball early on

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has completed two of his first five passes for only 8 yards as the Tigers also try to establish the run with Phil Mafah, who has 15 yards on four carries.

After gaining one first down on its second drive, Clemson was forced to punt again after Klubnik’s third-down completed pass fell short of the first-down marker.

Georgia’s first drive stalls

The top-ranked Bulldogs got busy early as quarterback Carson Beck completed an 11-yard pass to Arian Smith and, on third-and-10, Beck scrambled up the middle for a 13-yard gain. But Beck’s third-down pass on the drive’s seventh play went incomplete to bring the end to the drive and Georgia was forced to punt.

Clemson sputters on first drive

The Tigers received the opening kickoff and went nowhere on their first possession, going three-and-out with an incomplete pass, a dropped pass and an illegal motion penalty.

On third-and-10, Clemson’s check-down pass went nowhere and the Tigers were forced to punt.

When is Georgia-Clemson game? 

Kickoff for Clemson at Georgia is Saturday, Aug. 31 at noon ET from Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

How to watch Georgia-Clemson game 

The Georgia-Clemson game will be on ABC and can be steamed on ESPN+ and Fubo.

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College football expert picks Week 1

There are three big showdowns this weekend with early College Football Playoff implications. Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of Saturday’s ranked games. 

Trevor Etienne out vs. Clemson

Georgia junior running back Trevor Etienne will not play in Saturday’s game for the top-ranked Bulldogs against Clemson in Atlanta, reports ESPN.com.

Etienne was arrested on March 24 on charges of driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Georgia, who will also be without injured tailback Roderick Robinson II, will need to count on Branson Robinson, Nate Frazier, and Cash Jones to pick up the slack in the running game.

Georgia vs Clemson predictions 

Here’s who our staff is predicting will win this matchup, and other Top 25 games for this week: 

Dan Wolken: Georgia 

Eddie Timanus: Georgia 

Erick Smith: Georgia 

Jordan Mendoza: Georgia 

Paul Myerberg: Georgia 

Scooby Axson: Georgia 

Georgia vs Clemson odds, line

The Georgia Bulldogs are favorites to defeat the Clemson Tigers in Saturday’s college football matchup, according to the BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the top college football betting apps in 2024 offering the top NCAA football betting promos and bonuses in 2024. 

Spread: Georgia (13.5) 

Moneyline: Georgia (-600); Clemson (+425) 

Over/under: 48.5 

— Richard Morin 

Georgia vs Clemson all-time record 

The two programs have faced off 65 times since 1897, with Georgia sporting a 43-18-4 record against Clemson. The Bulldogs have won the past two meetings, the last coming in 2021 and ending in a 10-3 win for UGA. Clemson’s last win against Georgia came in 2013, 38-35 at home, and it is the Tigers’ only win against the Bulldogs in eight meetings dating back to 1991. 

Week 1 college football games you can’t miss 

Once again, we’re here to help you prioritize your viewing options. 

Standard disclaimer: This is simply a ranking of what we think will be the best contests, based on national interest, championship impact and entertainment potential. As always, there are sure to be surprising developments in games not listed here, so keep one eye on the scoreboard and one hand on the remote to keep up with all the exciting plays and fantastic finishes. — Eddie Timanus 

College football 2024 season predictions 

The experts at USA TODAY Sports offer predictions for the season ahead, including which 12 teams will make the College Football Playoff. Who wins the national championship? 

Scooby Axson: Ohio State 

Jordan Mendoza: Oregon 

Paul Myerberg: Georgia 

Erick Smith: Georgia 

Eddie Timanus: Ohio State 

Dan Wolken: Ohio State 

How close are Georgia and Clemson? 

Georgia’s campus is in Athens, Georgia, and Clemson sits about 80 miles northeast of Athens in the northwest corner of South Carolina. 

College football games that will decide College Football Playoff field 

Which games are going to be the ones that matter the most when all is said and done? 

Each week will provide at least one critical game that shapes the Playoff picture. Our task here is to identify which one on the schedule ultimately has the biggest impact on the races for the top seeds, the at-large bids and the battle to be the highest-ranked Group of Five champion.  

Georgia depth chart 

Offense 

QB: Carson Beck 
RB: Branson Robinson, Nate Frazier, Cash Jones
WR-X: Dillon Bell 
WR-Z: Arian Smith 
WR-Y: Dominic Lovett 
TE: Oscar Delp 
LT: Earnest Greene III 
LG: Dylan Fairchild 
C: Jared Wilson 
RG: Tate Ratledge 
RT: Xavier Truss 

Defense 

DE: Mykel Williams 
NT: Nazir Stackhouse 
DT: Warren Brinson 
JACK: Chaz Chambliss 
MLB: C.J. Allen 
WLB: Smael Mondon Jr. 
LCB: Daylen Everette 
SS: Malaki Starks 
FS: Dan Jackson 
RCB: Julian Humphrey 
STAR: Joenel Aguero 

Specialists 

Punter: Brett Thorson 
Placekicker: Peyton Woodring 

Clemson depth chart 

Offense 

QB: Cade Klubnik 
RB: Phil Mafah 
WR-X: Adam Randall 
WR-Z: Antonio Williams 
WR-H: Tyler Brown 
TE: Jake Briningstool 
LT: Tristan Leigh 
LG: Marcus Tate 
C: Ryan Linthicum 
RG: Walker Parks 
RT: Blake Miller 

Defense 

LDE: T.J. Parker 
LDT: DeMonte Capehart 
RDT: Payton Page 
RDE: Peter Woods 
WLB: Barrett Carter 
MLB: Wade Woodaz 
SLB: Jamal Anderson 
LCB: Avieon Terrell 
SS: R.J. Mickens 
FS: Tyler Venables 
RCB: Jeadyn Lukus 

Specialists 

Punter: Aidan Swanson 
Placekicker: Nolan Hauser 

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Pittsburgh senior running back Rodney Hammond Jr. has been declared ineligible for the 2024 season on Friday, one day before the team’s season opener against visiting Kent State.

The school did not announce a reason for its decision on Hammond, who remains a member of the team and is permitted to participate in practice.

Hammond led the Panthers in carries (118), rushing yards (547) and rushing touchdowns (four) last season. He has rushed for 1,511 yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons with Pittsburgh, highlighted by his two-score performance in the Panthers’ 37-35 victory over UCLA in the 2022 Sun Bowl.

Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi named Western Carolina transfer Desmond Reid as the team’s starter at running back on Thursday. When asked about Hammond, Narduzzi said, ‘He’s had a good camp.’

Reid will see a familiar face in Kade Bell, who has assumed the role of Pitt’s offensive coordinator after previously serving in that role with high-powered Western Carolina.

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